Lennon still hopeful of title win

19 May 2009 20:44
The Hoops go into their last game of the season at home to Hearts this weekend trailing Rangers by two points and knowing anything short of a win will end their dreams of a fourth consecutive SPL title.[LNB]They must also hope for some help from Dundee United who host Rangers at Tannadice.[LNB]It was a case of role's reversed four years ago when Celtic, with Lennon amongst their playing ranks, enjoyed a two-point lead heading into a final-day encounter at Motherwell.[LNB]Celtic had looked to be coasting to a title-clinching win that day until two late strikes from then Motherwell striker Scott McDonald condemned them to a 2-1 defeat and, more significantly, handed the title to their city rivals after they won 1-0 at Hibernian.[LNB]That day still rankles with Lennon, now the first-team coach at Parkhead, however he said it proves the title is still very much up for grabs.[LNB]"We were heavy favourites in 2005. People say we blew it and probably we did," he told Celtic TV.[LNB]"It was one of the worst days of my career. So anything can happen.[LNB]"You feel okay going into the game but as soon as the game kicks off and the longer it goes the more nervous you get.[LNB]"We've just got to make sure we're ready, that we're prepared and know that anything can happen.[LNB]"It's not in our hands I know that but we can still win the league so we have to keep believing."[LNB]Lennon admits he will find it difficult to retain his watching brief from the sidelines knowing that so much is on the line.[LNB]The former Northern Ireland international was also on the Celtic bench when they won the league on the final day last year, coincidentally at Tannadice, when Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink's strike was enough to stay ahead of Rangers on goal difference.[LNB]With that experience in mind he said his task on match day will simply be to keep his players believing.[LNB]"It's out of my hands once they start," he told Celtic TV.[LNB]"(For me) It's just making sure that I get into the player's heads that it is not over and that they keep believing in themselves. If it takes until the 92nd minute then so be it.[LNB]"It's not over, so we're very optimistic still.[LNB]"The only thing is that you rely on other people. If Rangers go there and win then you just have to put your hands up."[LNB]He added: "I said to them yesterday it is a great position to be in. These are the days of your life and this is what being a footballer is all about.[LNB]"You've got a chance of going down in the club's history with four title wins in a row. There are so many incentives."[LNB][LNB]

Source: Team_Talk